Rapsody Showcases Powerful Women in Visual For "Ibtihaj" Ft. D'Angelo & GZA

BY Erika Marie 2.3K Views
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D'Angelo wasn't featured in the video, but GZA was on deck.

On Friday, Rapsody dropped off her latest effort "Ibtihaj" featuring D'Angelo and GZA, a track whose title was inspired by Ibtihaj Muhammad, the sabre fencer who was penned in history books as the first American woman to wear a hijab while competing on a U.S. team for the Olympics. Rapsody continues the tribute to the fencer with the track's accompanying visual that is an ode to women, as the music video consists of an almost all-female cast—the majority of whom are wearing hijabs.

The rapper previously told Essence in an interview that her forthcoming August release Eve will be centered around women's empowerment, so this visual plays entirely into that theme. Rapsody kicks it on Harlen block with her ladies in tow as she honors female industry power players including Roxanne Shante and Mary J. Blige who make brief appearances. Rapsody said of Eve, “It’s my ode to the women in my life who have made me who I am, but at the same time I realize it’s bigger than me."


About The Author
Since 2019, Erika Marie has worked as a journalist for HotNewHipHop, covering music, film, television, art, fashion, politics, and all things regarding entertainment. With 20 years in the industry under her belt, Erika Marie moved from a writer on the graveyard shift at HNHH to becoming a Features Editor, highlighting long-form content and interviews with some of Hip Hop’s biggest stars. She has had the pleasure of sitting down with artists and personalities like DJ Jazzy Jeff, Salt ’N Pepa, Nick Cannon, Rah Digga, Rakim, Rapsody, Ari Lennox, Jacquees, Roxanne Shante, Yo-Yo, Sean Paul, Raven Symoné, Queen Naija, Ryan Destiny, DreamDoll, DaniLeigh, Sean Kingston, Reginae Carter, Jason Lee, Kamaiyah, Rome Flynn, Zonnique, Fantasia, and Just Blaze—just to name a few. In addition to one-on-one chats with influential public figures, Erika Marie also covers content connected to the culture. She’s attended and covered the BET Awards as well as private listening parties, the Rolling Loud festival, and other events that emphasize established and rising talents. Detroit-born and Long Beach (CA)-raised, Erika Marie has eclectic music taste that often helps direct the interests she focuses on here at HNHH. She finds it necessary to report on cultural conversations with respect and honor those on the mic and the hardworking teams that help get them there. Moreover, as an advocate for women, Erika Marie pays particular attention to the impact of femcees. She sits down with rising rappers for HNHH—like Big Jade, Kali, Rubi Rose, Armani Caesar, Amy Luciani, and Omerettà—to gain their perspectives on a fast-paced industry.

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